Fair Lawn vs Mahwah
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Fair Lawn, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Fair Lawn and Mahwah have similar restriction levels.
Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not maintain a formal heritage tree registry, but historic and specimen trees on county park land are protected under the Parks System Rules. Many municipalities, including Bergenfield and Woodcliff Lake, designate landmark trees with stricter removal rules and replacement formulas.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah Chapter 14 protects mature trees by regulating any specimen 12 inches or greater in diameter and requiring township review before any removal, cutting, or substantial injury occurs.
View full Mahwah rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Lawn | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| County registry | Not maintained | - |
| Park trees | Protected by Parks Rules | - |
| Common DBH threshold | 24 inches diameter | - |
| Replacement ratio | Often 3:1 or appraised value | - |
| State program | NJ Big Tree registry | - |
| Protected threshold | - | 12-inch diameter or 38-inch circumference |
| Measurement standard | - | DBH at 4.5 feet |
| Preferred replacements | - | Oak, maple, hickory hardwoods |
| Fee alternative | - | Mahwah Tree Bank escrow |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Lawn FAQ
Does Bergen County keep a list of heritage trees?
No. The county does not run a heritage tree registry. Some municipalities like Bergenfield and Woodcliff Lake designate landmark or specimen trees with stricter protections in their tree codes.
How are old trees in Bergen County parks protected?
All trees on county park land are protected under the Parks System Rules, which forbid cutting, breaking, or damaging trees and shrubs without prior written permission from the Department of Parks.
Mahwah FAQ
Does Mahwah have a designated heritage tree program?
Mahwah does not maintain a separate heritage list, but Chapter 14 protects all trees of 12-inch diameter or larger, effectively giving mature specimens regulatory heritage status.
How is tree size measured under Mahwah's ordinance?
Diameter at breast height is measured 4.5 feet above the uphill ground side; multi-stem trees are measured at the highest point before the trunk divides.
Are native species required when replacing a protected tree?
Yes. Replacement trees must reflect the mature northern New Jersey forest, including species like oak, maple, hickory, or other hardwoods.
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